Google shows off $1,299 Chromebook Pixel

Google revealed Pixel, the most advanced Chromebook to date. While previous Chromebooks focused on low pricing, this new model is a whole different beast. It has a 12.85" multi-touch screen with 400 nits of brightness and a 2560 x 1700 pixel resolution, which is an uncommon 3:2 aspect ratio.

The laptop has a thickness of 16.2mm and weighs 1.52kg.
Google gave the Chromebook Pixel an exterior made from anodized aluminium, as well as has a glass touchpad and a a backlit keyboard.

The base model starts at $1,299 and is immediately available but only in the US and the UK. A $1,499 model that offers a 64GB SSD and LTE will follow in April.

The Pixel is a pretty big surprise from Google, the device seems like a high quality product and it offers a stunning display, but other than that it's hard to see why anyone would want it. At such a high price point, a Chromebook doesn't really make sense given that it's much more limited than a regular laptop, it's primarily web-based and there's not a lot of software available for it. Other obvious disadvantages include the low storage capacity (partly due to the focus on the cloud), the lack of USB 3.0 and the low battery life of just five hours with the included 59Wh battery.